Watertown is located in the state of South Dakota and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Watertown (South Dakota), you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Watertown (South Dakota)
Watertown, a city located in Codington County in northeastern South Dakota, is the perfect vacation destination for those who love the great outdoors. Situated on the Big Sioux River, Watertown is within close proximity to several large lakes, including Lake Kampeska, Arrowwood Lake, and Reference Point Lake. This makes it the perfect destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and all types of water sports.
Those who love to hike and bike will find plenty of trails to explore in and around Watertown. The city is home to the Watertown Recreation and Parks Department, which offers a variety of amenities, including eight parks, an outdoor swimming pool, and a ninehole golf course.bike paths, horseback riding trails, and more. For those who enjoy indoor activities, Watertown also has a number of museums, including the Codington County Museum and the Watertown Regional Library.
Watertown also has a variety of dining and shopping options. There are several local restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, including American, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese. And for those who want to do some shopping, Watertown Mall and Prairie Hills Mall are both great places to find clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Watertown is a great place to vacation any time of year. In the summer, visitors can enjoy all the outdoor activities the city has to offer. And in the winter, Watertown is a popular destination for snowmobiling and ice fishing. So no matter what time of year you visit, Watertown is sure to have something for everyone.
Sights in Watertown (South Dakota)
Watertown is a city in and the county seat of Codington County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 21,482 at the 2010 census. It is the fifth largest city in South Dakota. It is also the principal city of the Watertown Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Codington and Hamlin counties.
Watertown’s history began in 1879 when the first settlers arrived in the area and established a few small businesses. The city was officially founded in 1880 and was named after Watertown, New York. In 1881, the first newspaper was published and the first school was built. The city grew rapidly throughout the 1880s and was formally incorporated in 1882.
The early 1900s were a period of great growth for the city, and several new schools and businesses were established. The city’s first hospital was built in 1904, and the first library in 1921. In 1930, the Watertown Speedway was built, and the city continued to grow in the following decades.
Today, Watertown is a thriving city with a variety of businesses and amenities. The downtown area offers a variety of shops and restaurants, and the city is home to several museums, parks, and other attractions.
History of Watertown (South Dakota)
Watertown is a city in and the county seat of Codington County, in the State of South Dakota, United States. The population was 21,482 at the 2010 census. It is the fifth largest city in South Dakota. It is also the principal city of the Watertown Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Codington and Hamlin counties.
The first known settlement in the area was made in 1879 by John Reed, who built a log cabin on what would become the northwest corner of First and Douglas streets. With the assistance of W. E. Yates, Reed platted Watertown in October 1880. Lots were fostered for sale for $50 each. In March 1881, the first post office was established with Reed as postmaster. That same month, the Watertown Chronicle, the first newspaper, began publication. On June 5, 1881, Watertown was officially incorporated as a village. Carpenters Mattoon and Mellett built the first two business blocks in Watertown. The Northwestern Railroad reached Watertown on October 30, 1881.
Between February 9 and March 9, 1884, the South Dakota State Legislature met in Watertown for its annual session. On March 4, Adelbert Ames, brother of Gen. Ben Butler Ames of Civil War fame, was inaugurated as the first governor of the new state of South Dakota. Governor Ames proclaimed Watertown “the future metropolis of the northwest.”
The construction of the State Capitol building began in Watertown. However, due to a diphtheria epidemic, the capital was moved to Pierre in 1883. The State Capitol building was finally completed in Pierre in 1894.
Watertown’s growth was hindered by the initial isolation of the region until the completion of the railroad. The first bank in Watertown was the Codington County Bank, which was organized in 1881 and began doing business in 1882. The Watertown branch of the First National Bank opened for business in October 1885. The first school in Watertown was a private venture which began operation in the spring of 1882. The first public school began in 1883.
In 1887, St. Mary’s Hospital, the first hospital in Codington County, opened its doors. It was followed by a number of other hospitals in subsequent years.
The Codington County Courthouse was constructed in 1892. The Watertown Public Library was built in 1901. The Jeudevine Memorial Library, a private library, was constructed in 1916. The old Watertown Opera House, built in 1886, was renovated and reopened in 1928 as the Arlington Theatre. The BakerKessler Hardware Store, erected in 1889, housed the AlworthBennett Department Store from 1930 until 1957.
U.S.Route 212 bypassed Watertown in the late 1950s. In 1961, I–29 was completed through South Dakota, making Watertown more readily accessible from a distance. However, this bypass caused Watertown’s downtown area to suffer economically as businesses relocated to be closer to the interstate highway.
Despite these setbacks, Watertown continues to grow and prosper. New businesses and industries have locating in or near Watertown in recent years. The city’s excellent medical facilities, low crime rate, strong public school system, and good housing continue to make Watertown an attractive community in which to live and work.
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